| Document and Entity Information Document | Feb. 13, 2020 |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000012208 |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Written Communications | false |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Feb. 13, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | BIO-RAD LABORATORIES, INC. |
| Entity File Number | 1-7928 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 94-1381833 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 1000 Alfred Nobel Dr. |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Hercules |
| Entity Address, State or Province | CA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 94547 |
| City Area Code | 510 |
| Local Phone Number | 724-7000 |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Common Class A [Member] | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Class A Common Stock, Par Value $0.0001 per share |
| Trading Symbol | BIO |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Common Class B [Member] | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Class B Common Stock, Par Value $0.0001 per share |
| Trading Symbol | BIOb |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
